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As a former overachiever and people-pleaser, it took a lot of time for me to understand that I was overextending myself to the point of collapse. I would even punish myself for not being able to perform at the height of my capabilities for the benefit of others when I hit those periods of downfall. It wasn’t until I saw that no one was reciprocating my extreme efforts that changes needed to be made. I began setting boundaries and realistic limits for how much of myself I could pour into others. But some might not come to this self-realization - some need a little assistance. For those of us that need assistance or a simple reminder of our own emotional needs, "Not Cool With It" by SOBI is the perfect ancillary weapon. Listen to "Not Cool With It" by SOBI here. “Not Cool With It” is a contemporary-pop song about no longer being okay with our emotional needs not being met in a connection. The song opens with delicate folksy strings while the first and second verse provides a brief history of the relationship at hand. Listeners learn that this is a very close, long-term friendship. But the introduction of the drums in the second verse marks a change in this close-knit relationship. There’s a growing tension here and it lies in the fact that the other half has “a habit of brushing off [their] mistakes”. This friendship has become one-sided; all the emotional accountability and labor is performed by one party. This is taking a toll on the performing party. But SOBI isn’t ending this bond, she’s simply setting boundaries for it. The bright, bouncy chorus symbolizes these boundaries being set so the connection no longer emotionally exhausts SOBI. And listeners get a crystal-clear image of how exhausting this relationship has been in the following verses. From driving “across the city” to cancelling “plans for the day” just to mend the friend’s heartache – it’s a heavy emotional energy to not have reciprocated and makes one feel depreciated. Which is why it’s so important to advocate for our own emotional needs within connections. The end of “Not Cool With It” gives listeners a gospel-like experience as the chorus grows into an anthem for people-pleasers everywhere. It’s a reminder and a much-needed push for those of us that might feel guilty for wanting our emotional needs to be met that it’s perfectly all right to have this desire. London-grown singer and songwriter, SOBI, began writing and performing for listening audiences at 16. Her instrument of choice was the acoustic guitar; it provided a deep intimacy to the stories she told and got fans hooked. But after watching Lianne La Havas perform with an electric guitar, she was inspired to take on the edgier stringed instrument which would evolve her intimate sound into a therapeutic oasis to sweep up listeners in. Since then, SOBI’s performed her confessional-styled songs on several tours and garnered a loyal following in the U.K. and Germany. Currently, SOBI is working on her debut album that’s set to be released in early 2024. If you’ve enjoyed SOBI’s music as much as I have, show the artist some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows so we can establish a loyal American fanbase. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW SOBI:

Things are more desirable when they’re dangerous. This explains why so many people have skydiving on their bucket list. They love to feel the rush of adrenaline that happens when they jump out of the plane and hurdle back towards earth. In “modern disaster,” the title track for her new album, Eveline sings about another type of desirable danger on the ground. That is, a forbidden romantic relationship. She knows the relationship is toxic, but she can’t bring herself to stay away. Eveline describes her experience in an edgy and haunting (in a good way) pop tune. An aspect of the song that I really enjoyed was the instrumentation. It starts off with a slow and beautifully haunting melody that consists of a violin. The music builds and builds until the chorus when it seems to explode into a more edgy and electronic sound. You can even hear an actual alarm in the background of the vocals. I think this was a good stylistic choice because it seems like a musical representation of the “disaster” Eveline is singing about. As for the lyrics, she does a great job of telling her story. I liked the very first line when she sings “half a heart invested, that’s okay.” In other words, Eveline does not care about getting her heart broken and just wants a thrill. She describes this thrill in the verses throughout the song with lyrics like “Wanna feel your kiss along my spine” and “We think we can heal all pain with just a touch.” Eveline began writing short stories and poems from a young age as a way to daydream and escape reality. After learning how to play guitar and piano, she found that music brought her out of her shell. Since releasing her first single in 2017, Eveline has captivated listeners with her songs about love and life. If you liked “modern disaster,” you should listen to “dear desire,” another song off of her new album. In contrast to the others, this particular track is unique because it is almost like a musical poem. She still talks about danger. Instead of embracing it though, she wants to avoid it. Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW EVELINE

Neon Dreams defines love in the simplest terms in their latest single, “This Is It”. Throughout the track, lead singer, Frank Kadillac, discusses the notion that we do not love others for their wealth, fame, or even the butterflies in our stomachs. Instead, he joyfully sings that we love because it is our truth. In the chorus, the band rejects the shallow reasons to love, and focuses on the honest truth. Kadillac sings, “You love her cause your heart// Said that its true” and “You love her cause your heart said, ‘This is it.’” Then in the verses, the lyrics describe the way this person makes them feel. True love is the warm sun on a cloudy winter day. It is the shining light in a darkened room. The unrelenting comfort when facing trying times. The second verse is compiled of exceptionally vulnerable and deep lyrics that are sure to blow away every listener when they hear it. Kadillac proclaims, “When you walk in light// All my demons hide// When you get too close// They get terrified// When I’m feeling low// You’re right there to hold me.” This love that they are singing about is not a simple puppy love or blind infatuation, but the love of a person that means a great deal to them. Someone who is always there for them and will never leave their side. This is the type of love that when you look at them, you just know “this is it.” This is your forever person, and you are never letting each other go. “This Is It” is a perfect love song that describes exactly how an individual feels once they know they truly found “the one.” “This Is It” radiates such a strong, optimistic energy that automatically consumes the audience with feelings of joy and serenity. The track kicks off with the mesmerizing vocals singing the first part of the chorus before being met with the ukelele. The instrument’s chords land on the upbeat, bringing in the reggae sound the band is known for. After the first measure, Kadillac releases a lighthearted laugh that enhances the easygoing vibe found in the track. After the first four lines of the chorus, the song switches gears by entering the verse. This is when the drums are introduced, and the added bass picks up in the background. In the verses, Kadillac transitions between singing and rapping. This provides a unique dynamic to the track while showcasing his versatile talent. Throughout the song, the elated energy remains at an all-time high, spreading the happiness to every listener. With “This Is It”, Neon Dreams highlight their innate ability to create laidback, breezy music that fills audiences with an undeniable positivity. Neon Dreams is a genre-blending group from Halifax, Nova Scotia. The band consists of front man, Frank Kadillac, and drummer, Adrian Morris. Their music is a perfect mix of alternative, pop, folk, funk, hip-hop, and reggae. Their songs consist of honest lyrics that tell the truth about love, trauma, and life. In 2015, the band was formed and they released their debut track. Since then, the band has blown up to the size that they are today. With over 20 million streams, a gold record, and over 1 million followers across all platforms, Neon Dreams have proven to have a dedicated fanbase. They have released a handful of singles, and a total of four LP albums. “This Is It” is the 6th track on their latest album, Love Child Baby Dolphin. The album was released on January 20, 2023, and includes 9 infectious tracks that fans will want to play on an endless loop. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW NEON DREAMS:

Getting over someone you thought you'd be with forever is not easy. Sometimes we hold onto them in our minds a little longer than we should, especially when you've had such amazing memories together. Even if you know deep down that breaking up was the right thing to do, the love you feel still lingers. Sometimes the pain of it all doesn't hit until later on, after you've experience what your life is like without them. In Chris de Sarandy's new song, "That's Life", he write about his struggle to come to terms with the end of a relationship; but also about the realization that life isn't always going to go exactly how we want it to. Things happen, and you can't always control it. You try help yourself move on by saying simple statements like "it is what it is" and in this song's case, "I guess that's life"; but this doesn't always work and is way easier said than done. The simple production on this song let's Chris de Sarandy's raspy and raw vocals shine through. Having a minimalistic instrumentation helps us focus on the most important part of this song - the lyrics. "That's Life" isn't just any other breakup song. It's poetically written with logic and grace, drawing you in from the very first line. One of my favorite moments in the song is the use words in "Darling I’ve been holding onto this used cigarette // Not every light gets put out when it all comes to and end " - describing his past relationship as an old cigarette that refuses to burn out - just like his mind and heart that refuses to let go of the old spark his relationship used to have. Another favorite line of mine is "I'm on the other side // sometimes the grass ain't greener " - which is a play on words of the old saying "The grass is always greener on the other side". Chris de Sarandy is a singer-songwriter from Southwest England. He was in an indie band at the young age of 14 until he went to University. After the band split, Chris started writing his own songs and creating his own sound as an individual. Inspired by legendary songwriters like Nick Cave and David Bowie, Chris moved to Berlin to further pursue his music career and found himself meeting other musicians and producers. This lead his to releasing his first two singles in 2022, Good Girl, Sad Boy and Like I Don't Know You. These songs led him to being discovered by the indie record label Embassy of Music. Since then, Chris has released 3 more songs including That's Life which is also his first song of 2023. In such a short amount of time, Chris has been able to impressively accrue almost 50,000 monthly Spotify listeners. He describes himself as a 'small town boy with a big man's voice'. Make sure to check out his whole discography and follow him for more. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW CHRIS DE SARANDY:

Slow burn, chill, playing it safe—these are not the kinds of romance you'll find in "SUPERSONIC." No, the remarkable debut from Australian Singer & Songwriter Aaron Elvis (aka Aaron Elvis Richardson) is love of the blink-and-you'll-miss-it variety, chock-full of intricate production and thoughtful writing. The verses hinge on a more subtle instrumentation, bubbling and plucking with soft, synth arpeggios and clattering percussion, while the chorus sweeps through with a blasting maximalism. The production is masterful in its ability to connect these stark degrees without tonal whiplash. Underlying the verses is a rumbling bass which calls to mind the eager growl of a race-car's engine as the instrumentation and vocal performance progress powerfully towards the song's roaring climax. But it's that vocal performance that truly elevates "SUPERSONIC" to pure, pop excellence. It's a treat to hear Richardson flex his impressive voice: plunging, soaring, running, and belting his way across the race track PATØN's production paves for him. All this to say that "SUPERSONIC" zooms by with commanding force rather than idling at the gate. If it wasn't clear by now, "SUPERSONIC" charts the course of fast-paced love. "Fast-paced," feels understated, perhaps "breakneck," "turbo-drive," or even "hell for leather." From the starting line, Richardson questions his ability to keep up. "Got me burning out of control," he muses, effortlessly ascending into a buttery falsetto. But this isn't the scene of a cataclysmic crash—it's a thrilling joyride. Even the hints of struggle ("I'll never be quick enough for you") are rendered as intoxicating draws ("give me a supersonic woman like you.") If this is the pace she's setting, he'll be damned if he fails to keep up. It's a venture into uncharted territory, but the stomach-churning risk can feel a lot like butterflies. Aaron Elvis is based in Australia, though he was born and raised on the island Oahu. From a young age, he developed his vocal skills through the influences of Paramore, Bruno Mars, and Prince, among others. 2022 began his journey as an independent artist, laying the foundation for his triumphant debut this year. "SUPERSONIC" serves as a musical introduction to Richardson as an artist, showcasing his impressive vocals and powerhouse pop sound. His music seamlessly blends pop-rock influences through his own unique perspective. The passion behind Aaron Elvis' art is undeniable, placing him at the forefront of ascendant pop artists in 2023. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Aaron Elvis:

Oh, the danger of sleeping with a friend. Daimy Lotus delivers a quirky new single, "Friends ;)," narrating the story of two friends straying far from the friendzone. The two have crossed that forbidden line and there's no going back to being just friends. With lustful lyrics, Daimy expresses how friends don't do what they have done. Though some may regret a situation like this, Daimy gives us an unapologetic pop-punk anthem, encouraging others to go after what they want with no regrets. She states: "I wrote this song in London together with Afterparty and Nova May about two years after I f***ed up my friendship with my then best friend. I never fancied him when we first met. We were even dating different people at the time. But we got closer and then we got really drunk one night and we were flirting and then boom. It was the scariest thing ever and I never thought I'd ever sleep with a friend but here we are! No matter the outcome, I feel we should go after what we want and trust our gut feeling more. So, here's to trusting your gut feeling and f***ing up friendships! Hell yeah!" Daimy's single, "Friends ;)," is playful and edgy, adding a catchy new track to the pop-punk world. The song features a flavorful guitar-laden instrumentation, supporting Daimy's Haley Williams-esque vocals. From the winky face in the song title to the flirty melodies, "Friends ;)" is a cheeky and light-hearted anthem. The guitar riffs driving the song are lively and high-spirited, making the song an addictive listen. "Friends ;)" is perfect for anyone who is a fan of Yungblud, Paramore, Gayle, and Fletcher. Whether you can relate to the song's narrative or are just looking for a fun song, "Friends ;)" is a fantastic, quirky song that will have you listening on repeat. Dutch artist and songwriter, Daimy Lotus, has been involved in music, singing, and dance since early childhood. In 2009, she decided to pursue a career in songwriting, and has since released singles, "Saturday Girl" and "Cannonball." She has been included in several Spotify and Apple Music playlists, and has received support from radio stations like 3FM, Radio 2, and KINK. To Daimy, music is therapy. She is open and soft, yet edgy, something easily heard in her songwriting. Daimy dives into themes centering around heartbreak, mental health, and self-growth. Her music is best described as empowering rock and pop punk. Some of her biggest influences are Yungblud, Gayle, and Fletcher. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW DAIMY LOTUS:

Heartfelt and melancholic, Courtney Govan gives us an earnest ballad called "at least." The new single narrates an unexpected friendship breakup and the heartache that it caused. Govan's closest friend ended an 8 year relationship with no warning, over text. It's already frustrating and devastating when you lose a close friend, but to have a long relationship ended over text like that is a low blow. Despite the initial heartbreak, Govan takes us on a journey of finding the positives in a bitter situation. She shows us that our misfortune can evolve into profound life experiences and growth. The emotional track takes back control in a one-sided communication, offering a final, intimate explanation. Govan creates a raw, intimate atmosphere in her touching single, "at least." The song features Govan's striking vocals, supported by soft piano harmonies. "at least" begins gentle and sweet, describing the hurt from Govan's friend ending their relationship and how she would have acted in the situation if the roles were reversed. Full of emotion, the song comes to an end with Govan belting out the chorus once more, showing off her impressive vocals. Despite the negative themes in the lyrics, "at least" feels like closure, rather than wallowing in heartache. It's a beautiful tribute to the experience Govan went through and the strength she found within herself to overcome this loss. Hailing from San Diego, California, Courtney Govan is a 26 year old queer pop singer. She has over 560k followers on TikTok, where her song, Serotonin, went viral. This publicity landed her on her first Spotify editorial playlist, Fresh Finds: Pop. Govan brings a fresh twist to today's pop, featuring an introspective approach to songwriting. She uses her own life experiences to relate and connect to her listeners, giving them music so they feel less alone. Govan hopes that her music helps them take on any tough experiences life throws their way. She uses her music and activism to create a community of inclusion, advocating empowerment and self-love. Govan is an activist for the LGBTQ+ and plus-size communities, highlighting social justice causes alongside her music journey on TikTok. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW COURTNEY GOVAN:

Love is so scary. Especially at the beginning of a relationship, it can be hard to tell if you're right for each other. What's an even worse feeling is when you find yourself falling in love with the person, but unfortunately they just didn't fall in love with you back. It's not that there's anything wrong with you, or that there's anything wrong with them. They never cheated, they didn't ever fight with you; they just simply didn't get strong feelings for you like you did for them. Obviously a scenario like this really hurts, but you can't blame them because it was never mean-spirited in nature. You're a good person, but you're just not the right person for them. Sometimes it really is just that simple; and that's what "Didn't Love Me" by Eliza Harrison Smith is about. "Didn't Love Me" has an indie pop feel to it's soundscape with just a tad bit of a country/folk influence in the rhythm and guitar - reminiscent of Taylor Swift's Fearless and Speak Now Eras. The mood of the instrumentation is neither negative nor positive which matches the theme of this song well. There's just a tad bit of sadness behind Eliza's incredibly beautiful voice, which is understandable. The vibe is light and simple, yet incredibly stunning and catchy, creating the perfect soft pop hit. Quiet harmonies add a cathartic push to the emotion of the song. The mixture of the relatable and "roll off the tongue" lyrics with the infectious nature of the music will make this song easily get stuck in your head. It's one of those songs you'll be singing out loud to yourself without even noticing and be putting on repeat when you need some personal music time. Eliza Harrison Smith is an indie-pop artist originally from around Washington D.C. but is now based in Nashville, Tennessee. She was inspired to begin writing songs and playing guitar after she saw Taylor Swift in concert at the age of, can you believe it, 13! Eliza's love for writing ended her up in Scotland for 4 years where she studied English Literature at the University of Edinburgh. In 2019 is when she moved to Nashville to primarily write songs for other artists, including Koli Kohler and Kendall Bowser. She's been recognized by Nashville's International Songwriter Association as "One To Watch". As a solo artist, she released an EP of demos in 2021 which inspired her to step out into the limelight as a singer/songwriter herself. Since then she's released 3 singles, including 'Didn't Love Me' which is her first song of 2023 with a plan to release several more throughout the year. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW ELIZA:

Photo Credits: Anna Vinterfall Songs about toxic love have come out before. Wanting to be with someone who isn’t good for you isn’t a new concept. Super Fëmmes bring their flair to this songwriting trope. Love and War is the latest installation for the girl group, and it packs a punch. Super Fëmmes takes the classic toxic, love song trope, and leans into it fully. There is no hiding behind it, they know what they want and they're taking it head on. There is no “will they won't they” back and forth in this song. It tells you exactly what it is. An anthem for those of us who revel in the thrill of making bad choices. Falling headfirst into the dramatics and saying I don’t care what people say, I’m going to do what I want. Super Fëmmes is a group that’s taking us back to the golden era of pop. The early 2000s was the birthplace for RnB infused dance pop. It gave the world some of the most iconic girl groups and Super Fëmmes are aligning themselves with them. The producer of this track, Jakke Erixson meshes the explosive nature of EDM with the soulful bass-driven sounds of RnB perfectly. He has worked with David Guetta and Christina Aguilera on some of their most iconic tracks. He put these skills to Super Fëmmes to create a similar appeal for them. It’s exciting and fun, Super Fëmmes exude a sort of star power that’s setting them up for the big leagues. Love and War is a dance-pop record that hits all the right spots. It makes you miss that wonderful time. This Swedish girl group is nothing to be messed with. Even though they haven't released as many tracks as Super Fëmmes, the group consists of pop legends. Such as Emilia Mitiku, Denise Lopez, Josefine Willers, and Mia Schotte who on their own have mega star power. The group's incredible voices are memorable and infectious. Even rap verse has a vibe that calls back to icons like Lisa “left eye” Lopes. Super Fëmmes is exactly that. A super fierce group of women making some good pop music. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW SUPER FËMMES:

You should never change any aspect of who you are to please another person. Having to put on an act can be exhausting. In her upbeat electro-pop song, “new classic,” XTIE sings about going through this struggle and coming out of it with a renewed sense of self-worth. She boasts of her newfound independence and how good it feels to “make her own magic.” The track is strongly urging listeners to take a look at their lives and see if there is anything holding them back from these freeing feelings. After all, life is too short to be anything but your 1000% authentic self! I liked the overall instrumentation of the song. XTIE made sure to reflect its happy mood in both the music and lyrics. The electronic sound was a very good stylistic choice, as the track was very “dance-able.” Everybody knows that the ultimate representation of freedom is to dance like nobody’s watching. As for the lyrics, my favorite part was the chorus. I liked how most of it was spoken as if it were a mantra. The listener has numerous memorable sayings to take with them. My favorite one was “It's a new era, making my own magic.” XTIE is an independent singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong. She mixes together groovy pop beats with inspirational stories. This combination has received numerous praise from musical outlets around the world, such as MTV Asia and BBC Radio. Her other song, “Skin,” went No. 1 on the musical charts in Hong Kong. The track is similar to “new classic,” as it promotes a message of healing and finding your true self. Along with writing and producing her own work, she also uses her expertise to write songs for K-Pop acts and other popular artists in Hong Kong. Written by Kelli Dixon FOLLOW XTIE

“Galaxies” is the newest single from artist Malena Boccadoro. This song really tackles the complex and emotional dilemma of finding meaning in a time of loss. While the song revolves around this theme, there are a myriad of different ways one can relate the lyrics to their own life experiences. There is no one single narrative being told in "Galaxies", but rather it can be interpreted by listeners in any way that it relates most to their own life. In Malena's instagram bio she writes, “brave enough to say I’m a musician”, and this song really displays her bravery in writing with such vulnerability and insights. This song feels like the equivalent of someone wearing their heart out on their sleeve. The song sounds so clear and effortless all throughout its duration. It remains fairly mellow, but still has sonic elements that make it exciting at points. The relaxed tone of the song allows for more appreciation to be had for the lyrics and story aspect of the song. Malena’s voice is both chilling and comfortable, which makes it the stand out component of the song. Her vocals add authenticity, and a quality to the song that makes you want to keep coming back. A notable aspect about the song’s structure is in the way it ends. The song feels like it ends rather abruptly and it leaves you wanting more, only to make you realize how much you want to go back and hear it all again. This makes the song infectious and one that you will leave on repeat. Even more so, the transition from the end of the song into the beginning is so seamless, and cohesive, that it makes the song feel not as ephemeral. Malena Boccadoro is a talented singer-songwriter. She’s released four singles since beginning to put out music. Her first single, “Novacaine”, came out in 2020, which proved Malena had a talent for music and songwriting. Following the release of her first single she has released three others which prove the same level of talent as the first. Her songs go beyond surface level lyrical writing, due to the instropective nature of her writing style. Her style reveals there is complexity to her art, making it all that more enjoyable to listen to. Beyond her music Malena, also shows her artistic side via her social media presence. Her instagram follows an amazing and engaging theme, that really shows listeners another side of her artistic personality. Definitely check out all her singles on Spotify for a refreshing and introspective listen. Written By Alison Holst FOLLOW MALENA BOCCADORO:

I like to have honest talks with my mother. She’s not always a fan of these talks, but she understands that they’re a necessary part of our bonding. In one of our talks years ago, she told me my siblings and I were her greatest accomplishment in life. While I am flattered beyond words, I’m also heartbroken for her – my mother only has a sense of identity and purpose because of us. If we didn’t exist, she wouldn’t know how to live for herself. Not knowing how to live for yourself is one of the greatest human tragedies a person can experience. And that’s why I’m grateful for artists like Jay Moussa-Mann who advocate for being unapologetically yourself. Listeners get to hear this advocacy in her latest single, “The Greatest Escape (Ever)”. “The Greatest Escape (Ever)” is a spunky pop single about the wave of serenity that washes over us when we begin living for ourselves. The song opens with an upbeat melody that hooks while Moussa-Mann showcases her impressive pipes by vocalizing. This melody is the perfect embodiment of what this serenity feels like when we begin living outside of others’ expectations of us. The first verse then drops, with the second verse right behind it. Within these verses, listeners learn that the artist had taken a summer trip that felt more like a sweet escape due to the fact that they didn’t have to uphold anyone’s perception or idea of them. Even remarking, “Isn’t it nice? / No one telling us what to do”. The chorus then brings on a wonderful epiphany; life can be like this all the time. In latter verses, we get to hear Moussa-Man’s personal aspiration of wanting to “be like Maisie” Peters, while admitting that the journey to living for yourself can be difficult. And has even taken her a few attempts. This honesty is refreshing and makes listeners feel closer to the artist. And I would like to highlight the music video for a moment, too. I love that the music video for “The Greatest Escape (Ever)” includes Moussa-Mann in scenes from The Fugitive and Thelma & Louise, two iconic movies about escaping from bleak circumstances. It demonstrates the artist’s excitement for the newfound journey of self-discovery and provides an abundance of hope for those who haven’t taken that plunge yet. Jay Moussa-Mann is a U.K. based artist with roots in Turkey. The artist’s music captures her diverse background and the experiences she had. Her first introduction to listening audiences was in 2018 on BBC Radio Tees. This was followed up by having several of her singles featured on BBC 6 Music. By 2021, Moussa-Mann was a Sage Summer Studio’s alumni and awarded the Help Musicians U.K.' Do It Differently Fund. If you’ve enjoyed the artist’s music as much as I have, you can show Moussa-Mann some virtual love by downloading and listening to their newly released pop album, Jay Moussa-Mann. The album centers on her self-liberation from social and societal expectations that have hindered her self-expression and growth. It's the perfect inspirational album to listen to on days when you feel like rescinding into old, bad habits. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW JAY MOUSSA-MANN: